Relatives of Flight Lieutenant K Praveen, who died in a helicopter crash while engaged in rescue operations in last year's rain tragedy in Uttarakhand, today welcomed the Government's decision to confer "Shaurya Chakra" Award on him posthumously.

"The award given to him posthumously gives us satisfaction as it is a recognition to his selfless service and valour," they said.

Praveen, who hailed from this city, was Wg Cdr Darryl Castelino's co-pilot on the ill-fated Mi-17 V5. Castelino was conferred the Kirti Chakra posthumously for saving passengers and central armed forces personnel on June 23 last year before his Mi-17 V5 chopper crashed, killing all 20 personnel on board.

Praveen's friend Mahesh Gabriell said, "It is an award for his courage and sacrifice. Now the younger generation will take him as a role model."